More Accurate Viscosity Measurements

VROC® powered viscometers allow complete characterization of viscosity as a function of shear rate or temperature. At the same time, RheoSense's viscometers offer a cost-effective alternative for the complete extensive viscosity characterization over wide dynamic rages that is essential in the production of complex liquids (i.e. Non-Newtonian).

Furthermore, VROC® quantifies true viscosity of fluids, as opposed to most conventional viscometers that only approximate the apparent properties of the material.

Why MEMS and Microfluidics for Viscosity?

Microfluidic devices offer deals precise control over the flow characteristics and reduce the volume required for measurements. Note that the device volume is only about 1.5 . Additionally microfluidic devices enable high throughput measurement and versatility to reduce cost.

MEMS device integrate mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate, using micro-fabrication technology to allow for very high precision and a very small scale.

The combination microfluidics and MEMS technologies, has enabled RheoSense to redefine viscometry and develop smaller, smarter, and faster micro-litter viscometers, which can measure fluids' viscosity in a wide range of conditions. As a result, VROC® technology offers capabilities well beyond the limits of conventional viscometers.

Principle of Operation of VROC® Powered Viscometers

A VROC® cell reads viscosity by measuring the pressure drop as a test liquid flows through its rectangular slit microfluidic channel. Based on Hagen–Poiseuilleflow, it is a well-known application of rheometry principles (K. Walters, Rheometry, Chapman and Hall, London, 1975), that isalso listed in US Pharmacopeia.

Figure 1. Schematic of VROC® rectangular slit microfluidic cell.

As the test liquid is forced to flow through the flow channel, the pressure sensor array measures pressure as a function of position. Figure 2 shows an example of the raw measurement data for two glycerol samples. Higher glycerol content would result in higher viscosity and a larger pressure drop through the micro-channel (black squares). On the other hand, lower concentration will result on lower viscosity and thus, a smaller pressure drop (red squares). Get our principle of operation application note for more information.

Figure 2. Pressure as a function of position for low and high concentration glycerol samples.

VROC® is capable of making measurements not possible with other instruments...the ability of the RheoSense viscometer to measure very small sample quantities is also useful. We have found the instrument to be accurate and reliable